1911day.year
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake destroys the city of Almaty in Russian Turkestan.
A major 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastates Almaty in 1911, leveling much of the city.
On January 3, 1911, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Almaty, then part of Russian Turkestan. The tremor caused widespread destruction, reducing buildings to rubble across the city. Thousands were rendered homeless and critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, was destroyed. Casualty figures were high, though exact numbers vary in historical accounts. The disaster spurred early seismic research in Central Asia as authorities sought to understand its causes. Rescue and relief efforts were hampered by harsh winter conditions. Reconstruction took years, reshaping Almaty's urban landscape and influencing earthquake-resistant designs in the region.
1911
magnitude 7.7 earthquake
Almaty
Russian Turkestan
1920day.year
Over 640 are killed after a magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes the Mexican states Puebla and Veracruz.
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes Mexico in 1920, causing over 640 fatalities in Puebla and Veracruz.
On January 3, 1920, a destructive magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook the Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz. The tremor toppled buildings in rural villages and historic towns, leaving thousands homeless. Official reports recorded over 640 fatalities, with many more injured. Roadways and bridges were severely damaged, hampering rescue efforts amid harsh winter weather. The disaster prompted both local and federal relief initiatives to rebuild affected communities. Seismologists later studied the quake to better map Mexico's seismic zones. Reconstruction efforts led to improved building codes in the most vulnerable regions.
1920
magnitude 6.4 earthquake
1956day.year
A fire damages the top part of the Eiffel Tower.
A fire damaged the upper section of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1956, prompting urgent safety reviews.
On January 3, 1956, a fire damaged the upper section of Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower.
Flames engulfed the tower's top platforms, prompting urgent responses from firefighters.
Despite the blaze, the main structural integrity remained intact, and no casualties were reported.
The incident led authorities to review and strengthen fire safety measures for the landmark.
Restoration work was completed swiftly, preserving the tower's renowned silhouette against the Paris skyline.
This event served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities even celebrated monuments can face.
1956
Eiffel Tower
1961day.year
The SL-1 nuclear reactor, near Idaho Falls, Idaho, is destroyed by a steam explosion in the only reactor incident in the United States to cause immediate fatalities.
On January 3, 1961, the SL-1 nuclear reactor near Idaho Falls suffered a steam explosion, resulting in the only deadly reactor incident in U.S. history.
The SL-1 was an experimental military reactor designed to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons.
Due to a procedural error, a control rod was removed too far, causing a prompt critical reaction and a catastrophic steam explosion.
The blast obliterated the reactor core and buildings, killing all three operators instantly.
This remains the only U.S. reactor accident to cause immediate fatalities, prompting major safety overhauls in reactor design and operations.
The incident highlighted the dangers of early nuclear technology and led to improved training and stringent safety protocols.
SL-1
Idaho Falls, Idaho
steam explosion
1961day.year
Aero Flight 311 crashes into the forest in Kvevlax, Finland, killing 25 people.
On January 3, 1961, Aero Flight 311 crashed into the forest near Kvevlax, Finland, claiming the lives of all 25 people onboard.
The twin-engine DC-3 operated by Aero O/Y departed Vaasa in heavy snow and limited visibility.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft deviated from its planned course and descended into dense forest.
All passengers and crew perished in the impact, making it one of Finland’s deadliest aviation accidents.
Investigations pointed to pilot disorientation and possible fatigue as contributing factors.
The tragedy led to stricter regulations on crew rest and improvements in flight safety procedures during instrument meteorological conditions.
Aero Flight 311
Kvevlax, Finland
1987day.year
Varig Flight 797 crashes near Akouré in the Ivory Coast, resulting in 50 deaths.
On January 3, 1987, Varig Flight 797 crashed near Akouré in the Ivory Coast, killing 50 people onboard.
The Boeing 707 operated by Brazilian carrier Varig was en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris with multiple stops.
Shortly after takeoff from Abidjan, one engine failed and the crew encountered difficulties managing asymmetric thrust.
The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a wooded area near Akouré, resulting in the loss of all passengers and crew.
Investigators cited mechanical failure and pilot response as critical factors in the accident.
The tragedy prompted reviews of engine reliability standards and pilot training for emergency scenarios.
1987
Varig Flight 797
Akouré
Ivory Coast
1992day.year
CommutAir Flight 4821 crashes on approach to Adirondack Regional Airport, in Saranac Lake, New York, killing two people.
On January 3, 1992, CommutAir Flight 4821 crashed on approach to Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, New York, killing two crew members.
The Beechcraft 1900C was conducting a scheduled flight from Newark when it encountered icing conditions during descent.
Difficult weather and loss of control led the aircraft to strike trees before coming to rest near the runway.
Both pilots were killed, while the four passengers escaped serious injury.
The NTSB investigation highlighted the dangers of airframe icing and the need for improved de-icing procedures.
As a result, regulations regarding in-flight icing and equipment certifications were strengthened.
1992
CommutAir Flight 4821
Adirondack Regional Airport
Saranac Lake, New York
1994day.year
Baikal Airlines Flight 130 crashes near Mamoney, Irkutsk, Russia, resulting in 125 deaths.
Baikal Airlines Flight 130 crashed near Mamony in Irkutsk, Russia, killing 125 people.
On January 3, 1994, Baikal Airlines Flight 130, operating a Tupolev Tu-154, encountered severe icing shortly after departure and lost both engines. The aircraft stalled and crashed near the village of Mamony outside Irkutsk, killing 125 passengers and crew, plus one person on the ground. Investigators determined that ice had blocked critical sensors, leading to improper handling of the engines. The disaster remains one of Russia's deadliest aviation accidents of the 1990s. The crash prompted reviews of de-icing procedures and flight safety standards in harsh weather conditions. Memorials were held for the victims, and aviation authorities implemented stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
1994
Baikal Airlines Flight 130
Mamoney
Irkutsk
2004day.year
Flash Airlines Flight 604 crashes into the Red Sea, resulting in 148 deaths, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Egyptian history.
Flash Airlines Flight 604 crashed into the Red Sea after takeoff from Sharm El Sheikh, killing 148.
On January 3, 2004, Flash Airlines Flight 604, a Boeing 737 chartered for tourist service, plunged into the Red Sea moments after leaving Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. All 148 passengers and crew aboard perished, making it one of Egypt's deadliest aviation disasters. Investigators cited loss of spatial orientation and pilot error as primary causes, aggravated by nighttime takeoff over water. The crash prompted calls for improved crew training and stricter oversight of charter operations. It also led to temporary bans of Flash Airlines in several countries. Memorial services honored the victims, and aviation authorities reviewed flight safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
2004
Flash Airlines Flight 604
Red Sea
Egyptian